On Thursday, April 9, 2024, students from Institut Catholique de Kabgayi (ICK) visited the Bisesero Genocide Memorial to learn about the remarkable resistance of the Tutsi people known as ‘Abasesero’ during the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi.
Emmy Musinguzi, an employee at Bisesero Genocide Memorial, explained that Bisesero, spanning Gisovu and Gishyita Communes, was led by Aloys Ndimbati, a suspected perpetrator of the genocide.
Unlike many other areas, the Tutsi in Bisesero chose to resist rather than flee or be killed during the 1959 persecution.
When the genocide began in 1994, the Tutsi in Bisesero rallied under the leadership of Aminadab Birara to defend themselves.
They utilized the terrain advantageously, particularly the Muyira hill, where they prepared for and confronted attacks of the Interahamwe. Women and children supported the defense efforts by collecting stones used by men and boys in combat.
Despite their valiant resistance, the support of Interahamwe from prefectures of Gisenyi, Cyangugu, Ruhengeri, Gikongoro and Kibuye overwhelmed Bisesero on May 13, 1994, resulting in the deaths of over 30,000 Tutsi. Ever since, others began to hide and continued to be killed until June 27, 1994.
The arrival of French troops on June 27 brought a brief respite, but their subsequent departure led to further atrocities in which 2000 Tutsi were killed on June 27, 1994.
The abandonment by the French army is what made the 27th June a special date to commemorate the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi in Bisesero, but only this year because of the presidential and parliamentary elections scheduled for July, in Bisesero they will commemorate on June 15, 2024.
Today, the Bisesero Genocide Memorial, constructed in 1997-1998, stands as a testament to the tragedy, built atop a hill where over 50,000 victims are laid to rest.
The memorial comprises three houses, symbolizing the nine communes of Kibuye Prefecture, each containing rooms housing victims’ remains.
A monument with nine spears represents the communes, while a central stone signifies the stones collected for defense.
Visitors ascend the hill, symbolizing the dwindling Tutsi population, with those unable to reach the summit labeled as ‘Victims’, while those who manage to reach the top are considered ‘Survivors’.
As you pass through the gates of the memorial, the terrain seems wide at the base but gradually narrows as you ascend the mountain. This geographical shift mirrors the tragic history of Bisesero, once inhabited solely by Tutsi, but their population was decimated during the genocide. Out of 60,000, only 1,300 survived.
Along the path leading to the final resting place of the victims, stones are meticulously arranged, symbolizing the communication network utilized by the Abasesero in their defense.
So far, the memorial stands proudly atop Nyankomo Mountain, chosen for its accommodating terrain and convenient proximity to the road. Additionally, its strategic location offers a sweeping view of Muyira Mountain, enhancing its significance.
Niyonkuru Cedric, Guild President of AGE/ICK, highlighted the memorial’s significance, stating, “We decided to visit the Bisesero Memorial because of its unique history and UNESCO status.”
Recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the memorial serves as a reminder of the resilience of the Bisesero people and the horrors of genocide. Plans are underway to develop activities on Muyira hill, further commemorating the brave resistance of the Tutsi.
